Top 5 Tips For Flawless Wedding Day Family Portraits - Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer Shawn Morrissey Photography

Top 5 Tips For Flawless Wedding Day Family Portraits - Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer Shawn Morrissey Photography

Your wedding day is fast approaching and you’ve been waiting for this day your entire life. It’s safe to say that you probably want everything to go perfectly. There are so many things to consider when planning the perfect wedding day that no matter how much you try to cover all the bases…there are some things that you will miss (or may not have even considered).

Over my 16 seasons as a professional wedding photographer, the one thing that I’ve found that can derail a wedding day timeline/plan faster than you can say “I DO” is the FORMAL FAMILY PORTRAITS.

Let’s face it…in any part of everyday life, if you have 5 people in a group and you give them instructions to meet at a specific location, at a specific time, and complete a specific task…someone will always be late or show up to the wrong location or not pull their weight completing the task. So on your wedding day, trying to get 30-50 people together at one location at a specific time and expect that they will ALL cooperate…is really setting yourself up for a major disappointment!

During family photos, a key person may not be on time. Another may have snuck off to grab a bite to eat and no one can find them or get a hold of them. Someone may have forgot their tie at the hotel and disappeared to go get it. The bride may have a stain on her dress and it takes 20 minutes to get her calmed down. I’ve truly seen it all happen and no part of the wedding day photos is more difficult.

But there’s good news! You can anticipate these problems and put measures in your planning to stop these time-sucking disasters from happening so your wedding day family photos will go off without a hitch and look amazing!

So pay close attention to these tips!

1) PICK TEAM CAPTAINS

Your photographer may have a list of all of your family members’ names, but with the chaos and fast pace of the day, they will never have time to memorize everyone’s names and faces. To insure a smooth family portrait session…before the wedding day, assign a family member from each side and appoint them TEAM CAPTAIN.

On the wedding day, the roll of the team captain for each side will be to gather all family members when it’s their turn for photos and call each member by name when he/she is needed for each set of photos. This way, the photographer focus on posing the group and getting awesome photos instead of wasting time trying to figure out who is who and where they are. This is a HUGE time saver!

2) PRE-GAME PLAN

The groom’s supper/rehearsal dinner (the night before the wedding) is the perfect opportunity for you to give your families a plan of action for family photos the next day. Assign your TEAM CAPTAINS (from tip 1 above) and tell them their responsibilities.

If your family photos are scheduled to begin at 1pm…Lie to your family and tell them they begin at 12:30. It’s better to have everyone there dressed, ready to go, and have to wait a bit than have 1 or 2 people show up late when they are needed. Go over all of this stuff right after dinner but BEFORE people start leaving.

3) OUTDOORS vs. INDOORS

Whenever possible, I try to capture the family portraits outside. This isn’t always possible due to weather or the wedding couple’s wishes…but there are many key advantages to photographing the families outdoors.

More room. Sometimes there’s just not enough room inside the church or venue to get a large family photo.

Natural light- there’s WAY better (more flattering) light outside than inside a dim church or venue. PLUS…if the photographer has to use off-camera lights inside the church, it’s just one more thing they have to spend time on and worry about. Shooting outside is quicker and easier for ANY photographer.

More natural looking photos-inside a church or venue, the photos can often feel stuffy and stiff. Photos taken outside just have a more natural feel to them and you can get multiple looks from different locations as apposed to every single image being in front of the alter.

4) WHY SO SERIOUS??

One thing that helps family photos look 1000 times better is if the family ACTUALLY looks like they enjoy being close to each other. Loosen up…it’s supposed to be a fun joyous occasion.

Instead of posing everyone in stiff traditional poses with hands at the side (or clasped in front) and standing side by side…opt for more loose casual posing. Arms around each other…hands on hips (ladies)…kisses on cheeks…hugs…etc…

These more candid style poses really help show the love between family members and the results are far better (more impactful) images.

5) HIRE AN EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER

Let’s face it…even if you implement ALL of the tips above…if you don’t have an experience pro there to capture all of these moments, your family photos (or wedding photos in general) won’t turn out how you hope they will. Plus if something DOES go wrong, you’ll need a pro with experience to quickly resolve and issues that arise.

You’ve dreamed of this day your entire life, spent months planning it, and spent thousands of dollars on your dress, venues, food, entertainment, decorations, favors, clothes, and much more. All of that stuff is temporary and won’t last past your wedding day. Your wedding photography, however, is the ONE THING that you’ll have for the rest of your lives…so be sure to invest in an experienced professional wedding photographer who will know how to best preserve this special day for you! REMEMBER…ON YOUR WEDDING DAY, THERE ARE NO DO-OVERS! If you have a “FRIEND WITH A CAMERA” or an “Up-and-coming” photographer shoot your wedding and aren’t happy with your photos, you can’t just do it all over again. INVEST in a pro who specializes in weddings…having that “piece-of-mind” on your wedding day is PRICELESS!!!

There you have it! Don’t leave this important moment on your wedding day to chance and luck! Use these 5 TIPS to get awesome family photos with minimal time and stress on your big day! Planned correctly (and with the right photographer)…you can get these images done while having tons of fun with your families so you can enjoy the rest of your wedding day with huge smiles and laughs.

If you are looking for more awesome tips, information, and guides…be sure to join my FREE VIP BRIDAL FACEBOOK GROUP HERE: VIP BRIDAL FACEBOOK GROUP

If you would like to schedule a FREE Zoom Consultation to see if your date is available and learn more about my wedding and engagement photography experience…Click the button below!

701 741 1407

Top 5 Tips To Capture Amazing Sunset Photos On Your Wedding Day - Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer Shawn Morrissey Photography

Top 5 Tips To Capture Amazing Sunset Photos On Your Wedding Day - Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer Shawn Morrissey Photography

Your wedding day is coming up fast and you’re looking forward to spending the most important day of your lives with your family and friends! You’ve been scouring Pintrest and Google for months looking at wedding photos to get inspiration and ideas for your big day and you absolutely LOVE the idea of capturing sunset portraits on YOUR wedding day.

Whether you’ve found the perfect wedding photographer for your big day, or are still searching for one…capturing beautiful sunset photos on your wedding night is no easy feat…so you’ll not only want a photographer who knows how to technically capture these photos, but who also knows the planning involved to get them. In most cases, it’s MUCH MORE than “Let’s go outside now and stand in front of the sunset and get some amazing shots”.

To help you formulate the perfect wedding day sunset portrait GAME PLAN, I’ve come up with these 5 tips that will get you some awesome shots while not slowing the pace of your reception and keeping your guests waiting.

Here we go!

1) TIMING IS KEY

This may seem super obvious, but to plan for perfect sunset photos…you need to know the exact time the sun will set on your wedding day. Don’t wait till last minute to do this. You can check sunset times on your wedding date months in advance by simply Googling sunset times for your city (Example: “Seattle Sunset Times”). Then just go to the calendar date of your wedding and it will tell you the precise time the sun will set. Now…you’ll want to schedule your sunset photos about 30 mins prior to the sunset time for the absolute best outcome. (EXAMPLE: If sunset time is 8:37 pm…schedule your sunset pics for 8:07 pm).

2) COORDINATE WITH DJ/BAND

Now you know the time you’ll need to leave the reception to take your sunset pics…DO NOT just think you can simply try to leave at the appropriate time. First of all, you don’t just want to disappear and leave your guests and DJ/Band looking for you when it’s time for your speeches or first dances. Secondly, you won’t be able to make it far without 20 guests stopping to chat with you on the way out.

That’s why you need to coordinate your plan to capture sunset photos with your DJ or Band. Most DJ’s/Bands formulate a timeline of events during your wedding reception to insure a smooth stress-free evening for you and your guests. Disappearing for 20 minutes without letting them know beforehand can screw up their entire timeline and leave them (and your guests) frustrated. Meet with them before the wedding day and tell them about your plans to escape the reception to take sunset photos. Let them know the exact times you’ll need so they can work it into their timeline.

3) SCOUT THE LOCATION

If you want amazing sunset photos, you need to do as much planning ahead as possible. You don’t want to wait until your wedding night, get outside right before sunset, and there’s nowhere around your venue to capture the sunset in your photos. Don’t leave this once-in-a-lifetime photo opportunity to chance! Ask your photographer (or you can do this as well) to go to your wedding venue on a night about a week before the wedding right around your designated sunset time to look around and see where the best possible locations will be to capture your photos on the night of your wedding.

Doing this will not only give the photographer a great idea of the lighting condition the night of your wedding, but also where to best place you and your partner. If there are no favorable locations on the venue’s property, maybe your photographer can find one within a short walking/driving distance and add it to your plan.

The key here is to do your homework beforehand to ensure the best outcome with the least amount of surprises and stress on your wedding night!

4) DISTRACT GUESTS

Remember when you coordinated your plans with your DJ/Band in TIP #2 above???? Now is when you’ll see WHY we did that!!! If you need to leave the reception for 15 minutes precisely at 8:07 pm…without a plan, you’ll find that as you make your way to the exit through the crowd of guests you’ll be stopped by literally every person you make eye contact with! They’ll want to congratulate you, hug you, or just chat your ear off for 5 minutes. It can take you 40 minutes to make it to an exit without a plan and that will ruin your chance for sunset pics.

Having previously coordinated with your DJ/Band, they can now make an announcement at the appropriate time that the Newlyweds will now be going to take some sunset photos and to let them escape without mobbing them. The DJ/Band can then entertain the guests with fun activity or few songs that engage the crowd to keep them busy until your return. Good ideas are the Hokie Pokie, Chicken Dance, Electric Slide…or a few songs just for the kids!

5) FRESHEN UP

You’ve planned, scouted, coordinated, and escaped the crowd! Now before you head out and take your sunset photos…take a minute to freshen up. Chances are, it’s mid-reception and you’ve already begun to unwind. You’ve ditched your heels for flats, let your hair down, and your make-up may be worn off. Your new groom may have ditched his jacket, loosened his tie, and rolled up his shirt sleeves.

Before taking your sunset pic, you’ll want to touch up your make up just a bit, unbustle your gown, and put your heels back on. Your groom will want to straighten his tie and put his jacket back on. These small fixes will pay huge rewards when you see your final photos!

There you have it! Don’t leave this important moment on your wedding day to chance and luck! Use these 5 TIPS to get awesome sunset photos with minimal time and stress on your big day! Planned correctly (and with the right photographer)…you can get these images done and get back to your party in under 10 minutes! Get the amazing photos you want AND spend the most time possible with your family and friends!

If you are looking for more awesome tips, information, and guides…be sure to join my FREE VIP BRIDAL FACEBOOK GROUP HERE: VIP BRIDAL FACEBOOK GROUP

If you would like to schedule a FREE Zoom Consultation to see if your date is available and learn more about my wedding and engagement photography experience…Click the button below!

701 741 1407

HOW TO ROCK YOUR WEDDING VENUE TOUR- Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer Shawn Morrissey Photography

HOW TO ROCK YOUR WEDDING VENUE TOUR- Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer Shawn Morrissey Photography

One of the most exciting parts of wedding planning (now that the proposal has finally happened!) is choosing the perfect wedding venue for your dream wedding day! Let’s assume that you already have spent hours online viewing websites of countless venues and have narrowed them down to a handful of favorites. Beautiful churches, scenic outdoor landscapes, rustic spaces with modern touches…there are so many choices!! How do you finally choose the right one?? Well, the only way you get a TRUE feel for the venue is by visiting the venue in person and taking a tour.  

The Ultimate Guide to Your Wedding Venue Tour

5 Things to Look For In a Wedding Venue:

• Cleanliness

• Friendly, organized staff

• Clear, concise answers to your questions

• Amenities - Does it have everything you’ll need on your wedding day: Parking, Restrooms, Getting ready space, heat/AC, etc…?

• The guest experience – How did it make you feel? How you felt is probably how your guests will feel.

3 Things to Consider During Your Venue Tour:

• Most importantly, can you two picture yourselves getting married here?

• Can you see yourself working with the wedding planning team?

• Does this venue fit within our budget?

Questions to Ask During The Tour:

• How long do we get the space on our wedding day?

• Is there a dressing room on site? (Or will you have to arrange a different place to get ready the morning of your wedding?)

• Who would be your point-of-contact through the planning process?

• Do they have in-house caterers or a list of preferred vendors, or can we choose our own?

• Is there anything you’ll have to provide on your own?

• Are there any restrictions? (Like noise ordinance, curfew, parking)

Other Helpful Tips To Make The Most Of Your Tour:

• You should only bring the ‘decision-makers’ to your tour. It’s fun to bring along all your closest friends, but choosing your venue is an important decision…it’s best to only have yourself, your fiancé, your parents, and/or any financial contributors at the tour.

• You should make a list of questions to ask during the tour. During the tour, you may be excited, full of emotions, and may get distracted with all the ideas swirling around in your head while viewing the space. You may easily forget any questions you may have had and regret not asking them. Come with a list!

• Ask if the person giving the tour can be the same person who will be your point of contact after your book (should you decide to book). This way you can get a feel for the person you will be working with the entire journey from booking the venue to your wedding day. Is this person easy to get along with? Do they answer all of your questions clearly? Do they seem to care about your vision? You definitely want to meet who you will be working with before you book.

The only REAL way to choose the perfect venue for YOUR wedding is to visit it! Take in all of the sights, sounds, smells, and FEEL the vibe. You’ll have that “gut feeling” when you walk into that perfect venue and that’s something you should definitely pay attention to! So take these tips, go visit your favorites, and get started on this crazy adventure of planning your wedding!

If you are looking for more awesome tips, information, and guides…be sure to join my FREE VIP BRIDAL FACEBOOK GROUP HERE: VIP BRIDAL FACEBOOK GROUP

If you would like to schedule a FREE Zoom Consultation to see if your date is available and learn more about my wedding and engagement photography experience…Click the button below!

701 741 1407

HOW TO CREATE THE PERFECT WEDDING DAY SURVIVAL KIT - Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer Shawn Morrissey Photography

HOW TO CREATE THE PERFECT WEDDING DAY SURVIVAL KIT - Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer Shawn Morrissey Photography

Your wedding is right around the corner and you are probably still right smack-dab in the middle of the planning process. Working to create a wedding day timeline is a very smart idea and hiring a wedding planner to do all of that for you is also worth it’s weight in gold…but the truth is…no matter how rock solid your wedding day timeline is…THINGS WILL GO WRONG!

A wedding day’s timeline (no matter how rock solid) all depends upon dozens (if not hundreds) of people all working together in perfect harmony with no mistakes. No matter if these people are family, friends, or hired professionals…some of them will make mistakes during your wedding day. A groomsman may get lost and show up late for photos. A florist may forget to drop off the boutineers. Your Mom may forget to grab that special item that you tasked her with bringing. Whatever it is, if you assign 100 people with tasks that all need to be completed perfectly on a strict timeline…not all will come through.

Planning for these mistakes happening will help relieve stress and keep your wedding day running on track. Enter the Bride’s Wedding Day Survival Kit! This survival kit is something you can work with your Maid/Matron of Honor on and create for you to have on hand the day of your wedding to help combat any hurdles the day throws your way. There are many items on this list and you may not need all of them…it’s up to you to choose the ones that are most likely to be useful for your specific wedding day. Purchase a bright bag, purse, satchel that is easily seen to put all the items in and put someone in charge of knowing where it is at all times.

So here are the items to arm your survival kit with:

1. Water

2. Flip-flops, flats – Weddings involve a lot of walking, wearing your 4″ heels everywhere will make your feet miserable really quick!

3. Sewing Kit

4. Nail File

5. Blotting papers

6. Sunscreen

7. Tide to Go Pen

8. Tide to Go Stain Eraser

9. Scissors

10. Lint Roller

11. Straws – don’t let the bride mess up her lipstick

12. Baby powder – Hot summers, crowded receptions and pesky nerves lead to sweat

13. Q-Tips

14. Face Mist – One spritz of a high-quality face mist or makeup setter can do wonders

15. First Aid Kit – even just a few band-aids are helpful

16. Mints – Have your maid of honor hand you a couple before you walk down the aisle for minty fresh vows and first kiss

17. Non-Drowsy Allergy Pills – Allergies happen. Especially at outdoor weddings

18. Bobby Pins – Black and/or brown to match hair colors

19. Granola Bars – Stay hydrated and well snacked

20. Dental Flossers – thanks to #19 above, you now have granola stuff wedged in there

21. Clear Nail Polish – Classic trick for runs in nylons and tights

22. Lotion

23. Chapstick

24. Aleve/Advil/Tylenol – you get the picture.

25. Hand Wipes

26. Earring Backs

27. Eye Drops

28. Safety Pins

29. Tissues – have your maid of honor handy with these

30. Deodorant

31. Dryer Sheets-For outdoor weddings…A few dryer sheets hidden in your bouquet or stuffed in your dress can ward off misquitos.

32. Hand Sanitizer

33. Mouthwash – Leave your bridal suite as fresh as can be

34. Bug Spray

35. Antacids

36. Small umbrella

So there you have it! You are now armed with the perfect kit to help you survive potential wedding day disasters. To make life easier…you can purchase a prepackaged Survival kit from Amazon that has a majority of these items. However you choose to purchase your kit…it IS essential that you have a plan for when things happen that can drastically alter your wedding day timeline! Get rid of the stress of worrying about things going wrong and be confident on your wedding day that you can handle any emergency!

If you are looking for more awesome tips, information, and guides…be sure to join my FREE VIP BRIDAL FACEBOOK GROUP HERE: VIP BRIDAL FACEBOOK GROUP

If you would like to schedule a FREE Zoom Consultation to see if your date is available and learn more about my wedding and engagement photography experience…Click the button below!

701 741 1407

THE ULTIMATE POSING GUIDE FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT & WEDDING PHOTOS - Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer Shawn Morrissey Photography

THE ULTIMATE POSING GUIDE FOR YOUR ENGAGEMENT & WEDDING PHOTOS - Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer Shawn Morrissey Photography

Congratulations…You just got engaged!!! Take some time and soak in all the excitement. When you’re ready, you’ll start the search for the perfect photographer to capture your engagement photos and the precious moments of your wedding day. If you’re like most couples, you may be a bit anxious when it comes to being in front of the camera. You may have thoughts swirling around in your head like, “I’m awkward in front of a camera”, “I never know how to stand or what to do with my hands”, or even “My fiance and I are camera shy…how will we get great photos that we’ll both love?”

All of these are completely normal thoughts and the most common question I get before engagement sessions is, “We really don’t know what to do…will you be able to give us some pointers and show us how we should pose?”

Hi…I’m internationally published, award-winning wedding photographer Shawn Morrissey and I’ve been photographing wedding couples for over 15 years! During that time, I’ve created a VERY SIMPLE method of posing my couples to get images that come across dramatic, timeless, and at the same time very natural.

My simple system of posing has been narrowed down to 4 basic foundation poses…that’s it! Each one has variations and each variation can be photographed from different angles and distances to create hundreds of completely unique photographs!

So…if you are wanting to feel confident and relaxed during your engagement & wedding day photos, study this guide and even PRACTICE with your fiance.

LET’S GET STARTED!

THE ULTIMATE POSING GUIDE

As I stated before…this guide is based on 4 VERY SIMPLE poses:

• Open

• Closed (7th Grade Dance Pose)

• 45 Degrees (the V pose)

• Groom Behind Bride

3 of the 4 poses are based on what I call “HINGE POSING” which I will explain. Also…each one of these poses can be used both siting or standing…super close together, or with space in between…and each pose can be photographed close up, mid range, or wide to create a dozen unique looks from a single pose. This system is meant to be simple so you can gain confidence quickly and enjoy your session.

1) OPEN POSE- Stand side by side to your partner both looking forward with your shoulders slightly touching. Imagine you are each covers of a book that is opened to the middle and your shoulders are hinged together in the middle. This is called “OPEN POSE” and simulates an open book. A very simple concept. This pose can be used with the couple very close together or the couple is holding hands (creating the hinge) with some distance between them. It can be done standing or sitting. The couple can both look at the camera or each other. And more variations can be created by tweeking how you pose the hands or how each person stands. Very basic…but it’s the foundation for the HINGE POSES.

Here are some examples of the OPEN POSE:

2) CLOSED POSE

So…you are still that open book hinged in the middle. Now imagine that you are closing the book and the 2 covers are now completely facing each other…this is called “CLOSED POSE”…or what I like to call “7th GRADE DANCE POSE”…(because it’s basically how you looked when you would dance at school dances). Kidding aside, it’s a powerful pose and can create TONS of intimacy. The more places the two bodies touch (touch points)…the more intimacy the pose creates. Touch points of the legs, waste, and heads can create lots of intimacy and having hands touching faces can maximize it!

Here are some examples and variations of CLOSED POSE:

3) 45 DEGREES or THE “V”

Still hinged at the center…we will now open the couple up to half way between being a completely open book and a completely closed book so your bodies are slightly angled towards each other forming a small V opening towards the camera. This pose creates the most natural feel and can be used with the couple wedged close together or with a bit of space to create drama. The couple can look at camera, each other, or even off in the distance. This one is excellent both sitting or standing.

Here are some examples and variations of the 45 DEREES POSE:

4) GROOM BEHIND BRIDE

OK…the last 3 poses were based on my HINGE posing system…this pose is not. It’s a super simple pose and is basically self explanatory…but I’ll go over it because it IS a very effective pose. I call it GROOM BEHIND BRIDE but this pose does work well with same sex couples too…but one partner must be a bit taller than the other for maximum effectiveness. Basically, you put the groom behind the bride and create some touch points. My personal favorite is to have the bride look at the camera while the groom is either looking at the bride or kissing her cheek or forehead…This creates a very dramatic and intimate moment. This pose can be done sitting or standing and can look amazing from all different angles.

Here are some examples and variations:

HANDS and FEET

You’ve learned the 4 basic poses but many couples still may ask…”what should I do with my hands?”…or “How should I stand?” There are so many variations you can do with hands and stances, but here are the absolute basics when in doubt. For the bride…you can always put one hand on your hip and “pop” that hip out a bit for dramatic effect. If your other hand is free (not holding a bouquet or your partner’s hand), simple play with your hair, earring, or necklace. You can also cradle both arms or even play with your veil. For the groom…always stand up straight, with shoulders back, and feet a little wider apart than shoulder length. The groom’s free hand can go in his pants pocket or clasp his suit edges near the chest area.

Here are some examples of Hands and Stances:

There you have it!!!! Those are the 4 basic poses I use to create most of my images. I try and keep it as simple as possible so my couples quickly gain confidence and have fun during their photo session or wedding day AND come out looking like models in their images! There are so many variations of each pose that a good photographer can use these 4 simple poses to create a gallery of tons of unique images that will blow the couple away!

Your engagement AND wedding photos will be such a HUGE part of your wedding day story and feeling confident and relaxed is one of the keys to create amazing timeless images that you’ll love for the rest of your lives.

There are many other keys that go into creating amazing award worthy images of your engagement and wedding such as planning, wardrobe, hair & make up, location, etc…

If you are looking for more awesome tips, information, and guides…be sure to join my FREE VIP BRIDAL FACEBOOK GROUP HERE: VIP BRIDAL FACEBOOK GROUP

If you would like to schedule a FREE Zoom Consultation to see if your date is available and learn more about my wedding and engagement photography experience…Click the button below!

701 741 1407

5 WAYS TO ROCK YOUR NEXT WEDDING SHOW - Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer Shawn Morrissey Photography

5 WAYS TO ROCK YOUR NEXT WEDDING SHOW - Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer Shawn Morrissey Photography

Congratulations…You just got engaged!!! Take some time and soak in all the excitement. Ok…if you’re reading this, you’re probably ready to begin planning your wedding (if you haven’t already started). Where do you start? There are so many things you need to figure out, people you need to talk with, businesses you need to book, clothes you need to try on, food you need to taste, and so much more!! If you’re one of those brides that wanna have a PLAN and make this whole process as efficient as possible, you MAY wish to consider attending some wedding/bridal shows.

Wedding shows are a great way to visit with, and try out, many different wedding professional services all in one place at the same time. You can chat with venues, photographers, dress shops, caterers, and pretty much anyone else you will need for your upcoming wedding. Though this may seem very convenient, if you are attending a wedding show for the first time…it can seem crazy and overwhelming. This quick little article will hopefully give you some helpful pointers on ways to make the most out of the wedding shows you attend. So…let’s get to it!!

5 WAYS TO ROCK YOUR NEXT WEDDING SHOW

1) MAKE A LIST

Before going to any wedding show, make a list of all of the vendors/services you still need to book and put them in order of importance to you. If you know you need a photographer, dj, and a cake put them in order of how important of a role they will play in your perfect wedding day scenario. If having amazing photos of your day is more important to you than what kind of cake you have…put the photographer at the top and the cake last.

This will help you come up with your plan of action once the doors open!

2) BRING EXPERIENCED BACK-UP

This is vital especially if attending your very first wedding show. Most brides-to-be go with their maid/matron-of honor, or their mom’s. Think about also bringing a close friend who may have recently been married and just went through everything you are going to experience. This ‘seasoned pro” can tell you who/what to avoid at the shows, as well as, give you suggestions on how to make your planning process so much easier (things you may not have even considered). Having an experienced trusted friend by your side can give you that extra advantage when heading into these uncharted waters!

3) THE EARLY BIRD GETS THE WORM

You’ll want to arrive at the event BEFORE the doors open. If the show opens at noon…be there by 11:30 am. Why so early??? Do you remember the list you made from Tip #1 above?? Well, most shows provide a map of where all of the vendors are located. If you arrive early…while waiting for the doors to open, grab a map, and bring out your list. Remember that a photographer was top on your list? Well, find all of the photographers on the map. There may only be 1 or there may be 7. Either way, find one that you want to visit first. When the doors open and everyone else is piled around a table filing out registration forms, you make a B-Line right to your photographer.

Now you have their undivided attention and can have an actual conversation with them about what you are looking for for your wedding day. While the crowd is still piled up by the doors you should have a good 10 minutes to go to your most important vendors from your list before they get mobbed by the crowd. That uninterrupted 1-on-1 time can be KEY for choosing the right professionals for your wedding day. You can always go back to the doors and register, but you’ll never get such valuable alone time with these businesses for the rest of the show.

4) STICKERS

At most wedding shows, a majority of the vendors will have drawings for free items or services at their booths. To enter each drawing, you will have to fill out a separate entry form at each booth. If there are 50 booths…you do the math on how much time at the show you will actually spend filling out the same info over and over again. You will have a definite advantage over other brides AND you will save SO MUCH time if you order custom sticker labels with all of your basic info printed on them. Then when you go to a booth and they have a drawing for a prize you want, you just peel off a sticker, slap it on their form, and you’re on to the next booth while the other brides spend their time writing out everything each time.

The info each booth will require will be different but if you want to play it safe, here are the basics you should print on your sticker labels: Your Full Name, Your Fiance’s Full Name, Your Cell #, Your Email, Your Wedding Date, And Your Wedding Venue(s).

5) MAKE A DAY OF IT

A wedding show can be a bit intimidating. Knowing that you have this giant list of businesses you need for your wedding day and the thought of trying to figure that all out, let alone the money you will need to pay for everything…can get quite overwhelming. But remember…it’s all for your big day.

If you are bringing your girlfriends, your mom and your sister, or just you and your fiance…you should make it a day to remember. The morning of the show…schedule a manicure, pedicure, massage (or all of them) for yourself and whomever is going to the wedding show with you. After you are all relaxed and looking amazing…head to the show. There will usually be wine/champagne as well as food samples at the show…so be sure to indulge a bit. After the show, go out for dinner and drinks with everyone. That way, you can discuss everyone’s thoughts about the vendors you spoke with at the show. Make the day a fun adventure that you will look forward to instead of just another tedious task on your planning checklist!

There you have it! If you are planning on attending any wedding shows in the near future, you should have a “leg up” on all the other attendees and will make the most of your time at the shows. Remember that it’s part of the journey towards the most special day of your life…so why not make the most of it and GET THE MOST FROM IT that you can!

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR MORE AWESOME TIPS, INFORMATION, AND GUIDES…BE SURE TO JOIN MY FREE VIP BRIDAL FACEBOOK GROUP HERE: VIP BRIDAL FACEBOOK GROUP

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SCHEDULE A FREE ZOOM CONSULTATION TO SEE IF YOUR DATE IS AVAILABLE AND LEARN MORE ABOUT MY WEDDING AND ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE…CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW!

701 741 1407

Grand Forks | East Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer - Summer Wedding In Crookston

Grand Forks | East Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer - Summer Wedding In Crookston

I first met Ariel last Fall at a bridal show and when I got to hear a little bit about their wedding plans up until that point, I knew I wanted to be a part of their big day! June 22 came extremely fast and the day began with steady rain showers which worried us because we all had high hopes of doing a majority of our photographs outdoors at various locations.

By the time everyone was dressed and ready to go, most of the rain had stopped and I was able to take the groomsmen and 1 groomswoman (groomspeople) outside and get some great shots in downtown Crookston. Then we hid the groomspeople as we sneaked the bride and her bridesmaids outside for some fun shots around the church.

As we were finishing, it started raining again which put a damper on our plans to head to a nature center for Ariel and Bryce’s First Look. We had a “plan B” for this to take place inside the church but when I asked Ariel what she REALLY wanted to do…she said, “Let’s go to the nature center!” (My kind of bride!).

The groom and I drove out to the nature center and the gate was locked! I had to find a place to stash the groom because the bride was about 5 minutes behind us and if he simply stayed in my vehicle...they would've seen each other. So he hid around the corner of a nearby building (outside in the rain). When the bride arrived and her father unlocked the gate, we had to cover the car she was in with umbrellas so we could move the groom into position. Once we did that, we had to have the bride's father drive her right up behind the groom because the grass was knee high and it was soaked from the rain! At this point, my feet were soaked and my pants were as well from the knee down. We finally got them both into position and the father (and other helpers) drove back out and we did their first look. All of that was totally worth it because the groom's reaction to seeing his bride for the first time was priceless!

The rest of he day was so much fun and everything else went off without a hitch! We DID have some slight coordinating to do as we literally stopped traffic to get a shot of the entire wedding party in the middle of the street in downtown Crookston…but other than that, everything was amazing!

The church was packed with friends and loved ones who all came to see Ariel and Bryce become husband and wife. There were plenty of laughs and tears and soon the entire group was partying and celebrating as the brand new husband and wife shared their first meal together!

It was quite the adventurous day and I couldn’t be more honored that Ariel and Bryce chose ME to capture all of these amazing moments! Congrats to the newlyweds!!

Venues: Trinity Lutheran Church Crookston Inn

Dress: LeAnn’s Bridal Fargo

Florist: Crookston Floral

Cake: Susan Winger

D.J.: Thunderbolt Sound & Light Show

Make-up: Evan Hartjen

Photographer: Shawn Morrissey Photography

If you would like to chat with me about your upcoming wedding…simply click below to reach out and say HI!

Grand Forks | East Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer - Summer Wedding In East Grand Forks

Grand Forks | East Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer - Summer Wedding In East Grand Forks

My 2019 wedding season kicked off with a BANG in early June with Michelle and Jon’s big day! The day started off at about 90 degrees and 600% humidity but that didn’t stop us from venturing outdoors and making some awesome wedding day memories!

Everyone was so amazing to work with and there was still one important shot I was hoping to get with the entire group out on the street with Grand Forks’ City Hall in the background. The only problem was that it was about a 5 minute walk and by the looks of the sky, we were looking to have some severe thunderstorms hit us any minute! I just reassured Michelle and Jon that it was good luck to get struck by lightning on your wedding day…and we started walking! We got over there, lined everyone up (including Children and 1 GroomsDog) and got our shots. We got back to the church with no time to spare as it literally dumped rain the second we got inside!

Rewind to about 2 minutes before we got inside as we were walking back to the church, the bride’s Father drove by us in his pick-up and saw his daughter walking down the street in her wedding dress and must’ve stared a bit too long because he hit a curb and jumped the truck over the curb and kept going! Everyone got a good laugh at that, but it stood out to me as one of those extremely rare moments that I get to see during someone’s wedding day that not everyone gets to be a part of.

The rest of the day was filled with special moments as 350 of Michelle and Jon’s family and friends sat together and watched the two exchange vows, rings, a kiss, and their walk back down the isle as husband and wife!

As the celebration moved to The Ramada, it was still pouring rain out and it was chilly! I remember wishing I had a jacket which was crazy considering that hours earlier, I thought I was having heat stroke! I guess that’s how Summer Wedding Days go in ND/MN!

Everything all said and done…it was a beautiful, action-packed day with an incredible bride and groom who I was so honored to have trust me with capturing all of these memories for them!

Congrats Michelle & Jon!

Venues: Sacred Heart Church Ramada | Grand Forks

Dress: Kristen’s Bridal

Florist: Wy’s Floral

Cake: O’ For Heaven’s Cakes N’ More

D.J.: Backspin Productions

Make-up: Jody Lopez Premier Aesthetics

Hair: Fringe (Jadie Schuh)

Photographer: Shawn Morrissey Photography

Watch Michelle & Jon’s Wedding Day Highlight Video!

Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer: 5 Reasons Why An Engagement Session Is A Must!

Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer: 5 Reasons Why An Engagement Session Is A Must!

If you’re recently engaged and starting the amazing journey of planning your wedding…Congratulations!!! The engagement phase in a relationship is so exciting and you’re probably going to get sick of answering the questions that all of your friends and family members will throw at you (I.E….How did he pop the question? Have you guys set a date? Can I see the ring? etc…) Let’s be honest though…Telling the story of your proposal will probably never get old!

Now, you may be the type of person who has Engagement Photos as the first thing to do on your list…or you may be the type of person who thinks, “We don’t need engagement photos because we already have tons of pics of ourselves on our phones!” You might even be somewhere in between maybe wanting some engagement photos but having so many questions in your head. No matter which of these molds you fit into, I’m going to give you 5 Reasons Why An Engagement Session Is A Must so you can document this amazing time in your lives and be able to look back decades from now and relive everything with your precious family you’ve built over the years! So here we go….

Reason Number 5: Awesome Photos

Most couples would be shocked that this isn’t the #1 reason to get engagement photos taken (more on this later)! Every couple needs amazing photos (that aren’t cell phone selfies) for save-the-dates invitations, and announcements. Most couples love their engagement photos so much that they can’t wait to show off a gorgeous piece of Wall Art or a keepsake album. Plus you can elevate your social media game with dramatic and bold PROFESSIONAL images that will set your pages apart from the pack. Hopefully, this time in your lives happens only once…so make sure you invest in a pro who will help capture your unique love!

Reason Number 4: Being Your Best Selves

You waited your entire life to get engaged! Now that you’re finally here, it’s your time to SHINE! So be sure to make the most of it! Go a little outside of your normal everyday “look” and put your very best selves forward! Wear that stunning dress and pair of heels you’ve been wanting to try out. Get your hair and make-up professionally done. Have your partner stand out in that suit and tie you love them in. You will most likely get multiple wardrobe changes, so why not use one to look (and feel) like movie stars for a short time and live it up?

Close your eyes right now and imagine it’s 10 years in the future and you’re sitting down looking through your engagement photos. Picture one of the images in your head. Do you see yourselves in t-shirts and jeans in front of a brick wall? Or do you see yourselves in a Killer black dress and black heels with your full bodied hair blowing in the wind laughing as your fiance in his black suit and tie holds you tightly as you sit in front of the beautiful sunset? When you look back 10 years from now on this very special time, how do you want to see yourselves?

Reason Number 3: Intimacy

During your engagement session, you will get the chance to cuddle, hold hands, hug, and even kiss your fiance. It’s such a wonderful experience and many couples leave their engagement session even closer than they were before! Use an engagement session to enjoy being intimate with your future partner and build an experience for both of you to remember as one of the many you will have together!

Reason Number 2: Gaining Confidence

As you look though other peoples’ engagement photos online to get ideas and inspiration, you may notice that they all look like models who have been posing for photos for years. You may get thoughts in your head like, “My photos will never look like that!” or “I never take good pictures because (insert insecurity here)!” Guess what? More often than not…those couples you’re comparing yourselves to felt the exact same way! A lot of couples are either shy or insecure in front of the camera and that’s totally OK! The last thing you want to feel on your wedding day, though, is insecure. That’s why it’s important to have an engagement session…so you can get some experience in front of the camera, and working with your photographer, so when you see your photos (if the photographer did their job) your insecurities will melt away leaving you stress free for your wedding day. Picking a photographer who is easy to work with and guides you every step of the way will help you build confidence and soon, some future bride will be looking at your photos online thinking that YOU were probably some model who’s been posing for pictures for years!

And The Number 1 Reason That An Engagement Session Is A Must: To Build Trust With Your Photographer!

You don’t want the first time you work with your photographer to be your actual wedding day! If you’re not used to your photographer’s methods or techniques, you may be distracted, or even annoyed, by them on your special day. Plus, your photographer is the one person who will be right there by your side more than any other person (even your fiance)…so it’s SUPER IMPORTANT that you feel at ease around them and even enjoy it. You don’t want to find out on your wedding day that you can’t stand your photographer’s personality…TOO LATE…you’re stuck with them for at least 8 hrs now! Consider an engagement session a “Trial Run” on building trust with your photographer. If you’ve worked with them before your wedding and know WHY they do things a certain way and get to see how awesome your photos turned out…then you will be totally at ease come your wedding day because you now TRUST your photographer. That trust is how your photographer gets the best wedding day images possible!

So…as you’ve just read, an engagement session is WAY more than simply getting photos taken. It’s an experience where you get to be your best selves, gain confidence, get intimate, build trust with your photographer, and YES…get some amazing photos of one of the most special times in your lives! So find that perfect Photographer for you (click HERE for my tips On How To Find The Perfect Photographer For You) and schedule an engagement session so you can experience everything you just read and get one step closer to having that perfect wedding day! Congrats!!!!

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR MORE AWESOME TIPS, INFORMATION, AND GUIDES…BE SURE TO JOIN MY FREE VIP BRIDAL FACEBOOK GROUP HERE: VIP BRIDAL FACEBOOK GROUP

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SCHEDULE A FREE ZOOM CONSULTATION TO SEE IF YOUR DATE IS AVAILABLE AND LEARN MORE ABOUT MY WEDDING AND ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE…CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW!

701 741 1407

Grand Forks Wedding Photographer: A Park River Wedding At The American Legion Coliseum With Leah And Rob

Grand Forks Wedding Photographer: A Park River Wedding At The American Legion Coliseum With Leah And Rob.

After our initial meeting last fall, I couldn't wait to work with Leah and Rob...and after being invited out to Rob's house on a beautiful Fall morning to shoot their engagement session on his amazing property...I quickly realized that working with them moving forward towards their wedding day was going to be awesome!

When the big day finally arrived, I swung by Urban Stampede and grabbed my favorite caffeinated beverage because I knew I would need an extra boost to keep up with all the fun that was to come! I met the ladies in East Grand Forks early that morning at Salon 222 to capture the behind the scenes action of what goes into preparing for the biggest moment of your life!

Next, my journey took me to Park River where the day's festivities would take place. The sun was blazing but there was a threat of thunderstorms in the air. We had a blast taking tons of photos even though the heat was just a tad bit INSANE! Then...right in the middle of family photos, it starts downpouring! Thunder, rain, lightning, and the kitchen sink for about 45 minutes straight which, not only cut into our valuable photography time...but also had everyone worried that the soon-to-start outdoor ceremony would be a wash-out! There was a huge sigh of relief when the clouds finally parted and the sun came back out and dried everything up just in time for the ceremony to start!   

The ceremony was beautiful! Both Rob and Leah have huge connections with music which was showcased wonderfully during the ceremony with live musicians and singers sprinkled throughout. There were plenty of special moments, laughs, and tears...and soon they kissed and walked back down the isle together as husband and wife!

Their family and friends soon gathered indoors and kicked the celebration off in style! Delicious food, unique desserts (always my favorite), plenty of drinks, and of course Leah and Rob would have nothing less than a live band at their party!  

Even though we had to transition from sauna-style heat to a torrential downpour and back again...everyone was a rock-star to work with and I had a blast meeting, and chatting with, all sorts of new people. Leah and Rob are such a wonderful couple and I'm very blessed to have a job that gives me the opportunity to work closely with such awesome people! 

Congrats to the new Mr. and Mrs. Brooks!!

Venue: Park River American Legion Coliseum, 101 Sandwood Place, Park River, ND

Dress: Alen Evens Bridal

Hair: Salon 222

Make-up: Elizabeth Locke

Caterer: Howlerz BBQ, Mayville, ND

Band: Helena Handbasket

Florist: Wedding Designs - Edie Rygh

Watch Leah and Rob's wedding day video below!

Grand Forks Wedding Photographer: Kathy & Kevin A Grand Forks Wedding At St. Michael's Church and The Alerus Center

Last winter is when I met Kathy and Kevin for the first time. Right away, I could tell they were the perfect couple for me to work with and I was so excited when they chose me to photograph their special day! 

It was late morning when the hustle and bustle of the day began in St. Michael's Church. I could hear laughter filling the church basement as I arrived and I could see everyone's excitement in their body language while they prepared for the ceremony to come.

I really enjoyed chatting with members of both families, as well as, friends of Kathy and Kevin's throughout the day and the photos seemed like they were taking themselves! As the start of the ceremony neared...the church got quiet as everyone took their places. 

One of my favorite things about photographing Catholic wedding ceremonies is that I love the art and symbolism used. St. Micheal's is a beautiful historic church and every time I photograph inside...it feels different somehow. 

As Kathy and Kevin's ceremony went on, emotions ranged from tears to laughter as the couple exchanged vows, kissed, and took their literal "first steps" as husband and wife back down the isle and out the church. 

The celebration continued at the Alerus Center where family and friends met to share heart-felt speeches, drinks, great food, cake, and dancing to help the newlyweds ring in their first evening as husband and wife. By the end of the evening I realized 2 things: I ate WAY too much gourmet popcorn! More importantly, I realized how blessed I was to be a part of such a meaningful day in the lives of such great people! 

Venues: St.Michael's Church   520 N. 6th St., Grand Forks, ND 58203  701-772-2624

              Alerus Center             1200 42nd Street South Grand Forks, ND 58201  701.792.1200

Florist: All Seasons Garden Center 5101 S. Washington St, Grand Forks, ND 58201 701-746-7777

DJ: Backspin Productions   1815 Demers Ave., Grand Forks,ND 58208  701-757-4300

Dress: Affairs By Brittany   224 N. 4th St., Grand Forks, ND 58201    701-772-3022

           Designer: Maggie Sottero

Grand Forks Engagement Photographer: Engagement Session With Crystal & David-University Park, Downtown Grand Forks, And Sunflower Silo Farms In East Grand Forks

When I first met with Crystal and David, I had so much fun talking with them that I knew they were going to be a blast to work with! Before their engagement session, we met a few times...and each time, it felt like I could've stayed and talked with them for hours. The last time we met, we set a date and a time for their engagement session and looking at the forecast a week ahead of time...it looked like it was gonna be a scorcher! (97 and humid). We were all sort of dreading that, but it was the only date we could schedule.

Luckily...when the day finally came, we couldn't have asked for a more perfect evening! I think it was 82 degrees and not humid at all. So we accepted our perfect evening and began at University Park. The mosquitoes were instantly eating us alive so we worked fast, had some great laughs, got some sweet photos, and packed up to head downtown. 

As we walked all over downtown, we were able to share some life stories in between photos and really enjoy ourselves and before we knew it...we had already been shooting for a couple of hours! But before we called it quits...we had one last stop!

Earlier this summer, I reached out online to small business owners in the local area looking to see if anyone had a unique venue, space, or business property that they would possibly let me showcase in an engagement (or Bridal) session. Ashley, from Sunflower Silo Farm in East Grand Forks, was awesome enough to give us access to their amazing property and we took full advantage! We got to the farm right as the sun was setting for some of my favorite photos ever! Thanks so much to Sunflower Silo Farm for their gracious hospitality!

As we finished up for the evening, I was covered in bug spray, sunscreen, sweat, and my feet were aching from the thousands of steps we took...but it was all worth it because I think we all had such a fun time. It was a pleasure spending time with Crystal & David (again!) and I can't wait for their wedding this fall! Thanks Guys!!

Grand Forks Wedding Photographer: A Summer Wedding At The University Of North Dakota

July 1st had finally rolled around! I met Kitty and Scott 9 months ago...and since then, I've had so much fun meeting with them, getting to know them, and having the chance to brave -22 degree temperatures to get some engagement photos! 

The morning of their wedding started out with a downpour of rain, which had me worried because I was hoping for a lot of outdoor photos throughout the day...after all, we would be celebrating their marriage at the Hopper Danley Spiritual Center on UND's campus which is a favorite area of mine to photograph outdoors! 

By the time we all arrived at the Hopper Danley, the rain had stopped, the sun had come out, and the whole area was pretty much dry. Kitty and Scott both looked amazing and Scott's Mom (Cindy) was such a great assistant helping us trek all around the area as we stopped at location after location to take advantage of the beautiful landscape and warm summer sun! By the time we stopped to get ready for the upcoming ceremony, the bride and I were discussing who's shoes were killing their feet more....her's or mine! 

The ceremony, though brief, was packed full of heartfelt emotions and special moments...and as the couple walked back down the isle and out of the spiritual center, they were greeted outside by family and friends as husband and wife! 

The celebration didn't end there! In fact, it continued over at The Gorecki Alumni Center. The evening ended with some awesome food, delicious cake, Chippers (I ate more than I should have...but they ARE my favorite!), meaningful speeches and toasts, and the Bride and Groom making their very first memories as a new family! 

It was such an awesome day and it's been an absolute pleasure and honor to get to know Kitty and Scott over the last 9 months and to have the privilege to capture their special day! 

Venues:

Hopper Danley Spiritual Center & Gorecki Alumni Center

Contacts: Amy Sansaver   Email: amys@thegorecki.com   Phone: (701) 777-2611

                 Keeley Gregoire  Email: keeleyg@thegorecki.com   Phone: (701) 777-2611

Dress: Kristen's Bridal, 2650 32nd Ave S, Grand Forks, ND 58201   Phone: (701) 775-0567

Cake: O For Heavens Cakes, 1726 S Washington St, #68, Grand Forks, ND 58201  Phone: (701) 757-2253   Email: oforheavenscakes@yahoo.com

Florist: Wy's Floral   3001 S. Columbia Rd, Grand Forks, ND 58203  Phone: (701) 775-4677

VIDEO SLIDESHOW

(Be sure to click the HD button on the video player!!!)

There are still some 2017 dates available for your Fall wedding. I'm also booking for 2018! Contact me now to see how I can help you with your photography needs!

Grand Forks Engagement Photographer: University Of North Dakota, Downtown Grand Forks, Sertoma Park with Kitty & Scott

When I first met Kitty and Scott in the late Fall of 2016, we had discussed doing a "split" engagement session with some Winter photos AND some Spring photos. Engagement photos are one of my favorite things to shoot, so I was all for it.

The only downside is that getting photos outside in the snow in North Dakota without everyone involved freezing to death is easier said than done. So when the day we scheduled to shoot our outdoor winter engagement photos came...it was the coldest day of the year at -22 degrees (without the wind chill).

Luckily, we set up a "backup plan" and had scheduled to use Merrifield Hall on UND's campus just in case! So we had some fun AND stayed warm! 2 days later it was supposed to be 30 degrees ABOVE zero so we figured we'd try again for some evening outdoor pics.

That worked out much better, but it was still really cold out and we had to work fast! I have to admit that we captured one of my all time favorite photos that night in front of the paddle wheel in town square. 

Fast forward a few months after the snow melted, it warmed up enough, and everything was green...we met once again for our Spring session at Sertoma Park. Though, it was just a modest 64 degrees outside, it was still 85 degrees warmer than our first session together! 

All in all...I enjoyed BOTH sessions and I had such a great time getting to know Kitty and Scott. With their July wedding fast approaching, I am honored to be the one they chose to tell the story of the happiest day of their lives! I can't wait! 

Grand Forks Engagement Photographer: Sertoma Park & Downtown Grand Forks With Julia & Kameron

With their wedding fast approaching (in July), I was eager to finally get to work with Julia & Kameron who I first met back in October 2016! With everyone's hectic schedules, the Spring Holidays, and all the cold rainy weather...finding time for an engagement shoot was quite the task. 

We set Saturday, May 20th as the day we would try for our shoot. Friday's outlook for Saturday's weather had it 50 degrees and raining from 8am-11pm...so things didn't look good which made me super nerveous! Our shoot was scheduled for 9am at Sertoma Park in Grand Forks, but I showed up around 8:15 am and other than being a bit chilly...things looked pretty promising.

Once Julia and Kameron showed up, we had the entire park to ourselves and it was a fun and peaceful start to our session! As time went on, the park started filling up, so once we got all the shots we wanted, we packed up and headed downtown where we met at The Ember to warm up and refuel with some caffeine! 

Once we were warm and recharged, we walked all around downtown and got some great shots while exchanging stories about some of life's adventures! When it was all said and done, we spent the entire morning getting some great shots, getting to know more about each other, and what was supposed to be a drab, cold, rainy morning ended up being a super fun-filled adventure! 

I had such a great time and I am anxiously awaiting Julia and Kameron's wedding in July!

Grand Forks Engagement Photographer: Sertoma Park Engagement Session VLOG

Engagement Session season is in full swing and keeping in the spirit of that...I made a super quick video featuring Julia & Kameron and our session we captured in Sertoma Park last weekend! Can't wait for their July wedding!! 

GRAND FORKS & FARGO WEDDING RECEPTION VENUE PHOTOGRAPHY

One of my favorite things of being a photographer is getting the chance to meet other business owners and being able to collaborate with them to create something special while helping each other in the process. As 2016 neared it's end...I was fortunate enough to be able to meet and work with some great people, businesses, and amazing venues! 

Though, almost all of my time as a photographer is spent photographing people, these collaborations focused on venue, design, and detail photography...which are all a bit out of my comfort zone. I always feel that if you continue to stay inside your comfort zone, you will never increase your skill set and you will eventually become stale and boring...therefore I usually try to push myself to try different things...even if I am uncomfortable (fake it till you make it)! 

Ann Vossekuil, from the Ramada in Grand Forks, gave me the chance to come in and shoot the reception hall for one of their last weddings of the year. I got to meet, and work with, Sadie Gardner of Sadie's Couture Floral & Event Styling, North Dakota who beautifully transformed the, already  beautiful, Ramada Ballroom into something truly elegant and unique! Then, a couple of weeks later, I ventured to The Avalon Events Center in Fargo, where I met Jackie Bruenjes (the social events & marketing manager), who gave me the chance to capture Sadie's talent yet again.  

Photographing both events was an awesome experience! I love being even just a small part in helping to create something great and I hope that I did Ann, Sadie, and Jackie proud. Thanks to all of them for trusting me to show off their talents and venues!! 

Grand Forks Ramada, 1205 43rd street Grand Forks, ND 58203

Ann Vossekuil (701) 775-3951

Sadie's Couture Floral & Event Styling, North Dakota

Sadie Gardner (701) 317-3255

Avalon Events Center 2525 9th Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103

Jackie Bruenjes (Social Events & Marketing Manager) 701-219-3433

Sadie's Couture Floral & Event Styling, North Dakota

Sadie Gardner (701) 317-3255

ASHLEY, NATE, & EASTON - GRAND FORKS PHOTOGRAPHER FAMILY SESSION

GRAND FORKS PHOTOGRAPHER

WINNERS OF MY GIVE-AWAY DRAWING FOR A FREE FALL FAMILY SESSION.

Back in September, I held a give-away drawing for a free Fall family portrait session on my Facebook fanpage. I was overwhelmed with all of the interest and participation. Ashley and her family were the lucky winners from the drawing!

When I contacted Ashley to tell her she was the winner, she seemed surprised and really excited to win! We immediately started planning and trying to schedule her free session. Uncooperative fall weather, along with the busy schedule of the beet harvest, foiled our plans numerous times until we finally got our chance this last Sunday (Oct 23)!

Though our shoot started out cold, windy, and cloudy...as we eased into it, it became a gorgeous October afternoon! Meeting, and working with, Ashley and her family was well worth the wait! Little Easton was a ball of energy...and though SOME of his smiles were paid for with bribes...he was a natural model and I even got a HIGH 5 from him when we were all done! 

All and All, this was an awesome experience for me (and I hope Ashley and her family enjoyed it too)! I will definitely be holding more give-away drawings in the future so if you'd like to be notified and take part...be sure to "LIKE" my Facebook Page HERE...and follow me on INSTAGRAM HERE!

Thanks to Ashley, Nate, & Easton!

5 Tips For Better Engagement Photos - Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer

5 Tips For Better Engagement Photos - Grand Forks | Fargo Wedding Photographer

Congratulations! You’re engaged! Now-a-days, engagement photos have taken on a life of their own. Couples use engagement photos for Save-the-Date announcements, wedding invitations, wall art for their homes, gifts for family members, greeting cards, photos to display at the wedding reception, photos to view in wedding slideshows, social media updates...You name it!

So...how can you make sure that your engagement photos stand apart from the rest and leave friends and family members talking about them??? Follow these 5 tips and you'll be on your way to get some truly unique and memorable photos.

1. DON’T WING IT.

For most couples, getting engaged and married is a once-in-a-lifetime experience so it’s something you should have an experienced professional guide you through. This is an important time in your life and you’ll later regret choosing to have a “Friend with a camera” take some pics for you over HIRING AN EXPERIENCED WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER WHO WILL GIVE YOU AN ENTIRE EXPERIENCE.

You’ll want to find a photographer who will meet with you BEFORE your scheduled engagement session (whether in person or via zoom) to chat about your ideas and come up with a solid game plan for your session. You don’t want to spend all the time and money to hire someone to capture these special moments and they tell you, “Wear whatever you want, Let’s just meet at the park, and we’ll go from there.”

Let your photographer get to know you as a couple, learn your likes & interests, give you some valuable tips, form a plan and come the day of your session…things will move smoothly , you’ll have much more fun, AND your photos will be much more awesome.

2.       Comfort is Key

Being in front of the camera can be a little unsettling sometimes…especially when you are asked to show intimacy with your fiancé in a public place. To make this insecurity a “non-issue”, set up a consult with your potential engagement photographer before your photo session. That way, you can ask questions, talk about ideas, and most importantly…you can see if you all “Click” and will be a good fit to work together.

Hiring a photographer who you can get along with and who can make you feel calm and “at ease” is VERY important…especially if you decide to hire them for your wedding day because they will be with you the entire day!

An engagement session is WAY more than just getting beautiful photos taken of you and your partner…it’s also quality time to work with (and get to know) your photographer which will help build trust between you. This is KEY if you want to feel confident and stress-free on the wedding day!

3.       Location, Location, Location!

Meaningful places help make engagement photos all the more special…but don’t be afraid to think outside the box here. If you want your photos to be different, then you can’t shoot in all of the same locations as everyone else. If your city has a landmark that EVERYONE has their photos taken at, avoid it…plain and simple.

Talk with your photographer about ideas for a unique photoshoot. Are there places that are special to you and your fiancé that can help tell your story? Does your city have other, less known, landmarks that help define it? Look for areas with different textures and colors. A lot of photographers come from ART backgrounds and know about things such as color theory, composition, leading lines, contrast, and juxtaposition…so discuss these things with them and don’t be afraid to use (and trust) their creativity.

4.       Wardrobe, Hair, Make-Up…

If you are unsure about what to wear or you don’t have a stylish wardrobe, consider consulting with a stylist. Go outside the realm of your regular everyday wardrobe. After all…this is a one-time event (hopefully). You want these engagement photos to stand out and make an impression on your family and friends.

Spend a little extra money and splurge on that dress you had your eye on…or that sport coat and watch your fiancé has been eyeballing. Avoid anything that will make you look dated. You don’t want to look back on these photos 10 years from now and wonder why you wore those skinny jeans and lady Gaga T-shirt! Also…avoid trying to match each other’s outfit. Instead, try and complement each other’s outfit. Don’t forget to bring accessories like shoes, socks, belts and jewelry too.

As for Hair and Make-up…Get both done by a pro and you'll not only look amazing, but the extra confidence will shine through. If you are hiring a makeup artist for the wedding, they will likely want to do a practice run, and the day of your engagement photos would be a great try out. If you are doing your own makeup, consider wearing matte since it photographs best.

If you want unique, memorable photos…the key here is to pretend you are movie stars, get all dolled up, present the photographer with the best versions of yourselves, and do something different. Most photographers allow a wardrobe change or two so you WILL be able to get some photos in clothes that are more casual…but definitely take advantage of this opportunity and get some images in some formal-semi formal attire! You won’t regret it!

5.       Watch the weather…and the clock.

So…when IS the best time of day to shoot engagement photos?? Most photographers will tell you that the light is best in early morning, or late evening…and I’m sure most photographers will tell you that early mornings aren’t for them. So that golden time right before sunset is perfect.

The common misconception is that bright sunny days are great for shooting portraits. Quite the opposite is true. Mid-day, when the sun is directly overhead, causes many problems…such as harsh downward shadows over faces, Raccoon Eyes, squinting, Bright Blown-Out Highlights, and a few other troubles. So try to avoid scheduling your engagement session around mid-day, if at all possible.

If, however, it is overcast, foggy, or even drizzling outside….it can favor your photo session with soft even lighting and you can get some interesting, great looking shots during mid-day.  

For the most part, it would be safe to schedule your shoot 1-3 hrs BEFORE sunset for the most flattering natural light possible.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR MORE AWESOME TIPS, INFORMATION, AND GUIDES…BE SURE TO JOIN MY FREE VIP BRIDAL FACEBOOK GROUP HERE: VIP BRIDAL FACEBOOK GROUP

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SCHEDULE A FREE ZOOM CONSULTATION TO SEE IF YOUR DATE IS AVAILABLE AND LEARN MORE ABOUT MY WEDDING AND ENGAGEMENT PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE…CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW!

Janelle & Mike / Grand Forks Wedding Photographer

The morning air was a bit chilly the day of Janelle and Mike's wedding...WELL...maybe that's because it was 7:30 am as I drove through the nearest coffee shop to make sure I had the caffeine fix that would supply me with the energy I would need to jolt myself awake. Normally...my wedding day shoots don't start until much later. This day was different though.

8 am sharp, I was to meet the bride-to-be and all her bridesmaids at OLIVIERI'S SALON & SPA in downtown Grand Forks and begin my day capturing the excitement, anticipation, and laughter as the women all got their hair and make-up done for the festivities that were to come later in the day.

The hustle and bustle of a normal wedding day usually brings a bit of stress along with it for the bride and groom. But both Janelle and Mike were super laid back all morning...and as the ceremony played out later that afternoon at the alter inside beautiful ST. MICHAEL'S CHURCH, everything Janelle and Mike had been planning for all the months before had finally come to be. There were both smiles and tears as the couple exchanged vows and became husband and wife. 

If any of you know Janelle and Mike, you know that the party definitely did not stop there! It continued at the recently remodeled RAMADA in Grand Forks. Everyone enjoyed an amazing dinner, some heartfelt toasts, lots of cocktails, and then DANCE MAN DAN cranked up the music and lights and kept the party going the rest of the night! Janelle and Mike spent their first evening as husband and wife surrounded by hundreds of close friends and family...all who were there to celebrate the new couple's amazing wedding day. 

It was an awesome experience and I'm honored that I was asked to be a part of Janelle and Mike's wedding day! 

If you would like to book me for your 2016/2017 Wedding...Contact me Now!